Okojie’s Double-Double Lifts Howard Past Drexel in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Ose Okojie delivered a composed, physical performance on both ends, finishing with 17 points and 10 rebounds as Howard held off Drexel, 74-66, on Tuesday night.

The victory marked Howard’s fourth straight win and its first true road victory of the season after three previous attempts. The Bison (8-5) controlled the game early and leaned on efficiency and free-throw shooting down the stretch to seal the win inside Drexel’s home arena.

Howard shot nearly 48 percent from the field and an impressive 92 percent at the free-throw line, knocking down 23 of 25 attempts. Cam Gillus filled the stat sheet with 16 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Bryce Harris scored 13 points, including seven free throws. Cedric Taylor III added 12 points, punctuating the Bison’s late-game composure with a key layup in the final two minutes.

The Bison seized control early, building a 36-25 halftime lead behind Okojie’s 11 first-half points and Gillus’ perimeter shooting. A Gillus three midway through the opening half gave Howard a lead it would not relinquish after the first two minutes of play, with the margin ballooning to as many as 16 points.

Drexel (4-7) made multiple pushes in the second half behind a career night from Kevon Vanderhorst. The guard poured in 30 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including four three-pointers, and went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Villiam Garcia Adsten chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the Dragons.

Despite Drexel cutting the deficit to single digits late, Howard’s rebounding advantage (36-22) and poise at the line proved decisive. Okojie secured the defensive rebound on Drexel’s final missed free throw with eight seconds remaining, effectively closing the door.

Howard never trailed after taking a 7-5 lead early in the first half, continuing to show growth away from home as it builds momentum heading deeper into the season.